The High Court in Kuala Lumpur today fixed June 19 to hear an application by opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim to strike out Malaysian Indian United Party (MUIP) president S Nallakaruppan’s defence in a libel suit filed by the opposition leader in 2008.

Deputy registrar Fatimah Rubi’ah Ali set the date in chambers in the presence of lawyers Latheefa Koya, representing Anwar, and Nurul Nabila Zamri, who appeared on behalf of Nallakaruppan’s lawyer, Muhammad Shafee Abdullah.

Latheefa told reporters that the June 19 hearing would be held before Judge Su Geok Yiam.

She said Anwar filed to strike Nallakaruppan’s defence on grounds that it was petty, a mere denial and an abuse of the court process.

Anwar filed the suit on Aug 25, 2008 over alleged derogatory remarks by Nallakaruppan in an article, ‘Anwar terima RM60 juta’ (Anwar receives RM60 million) which were published in the Mingguan Malaysia and Sinar Harian newspapers in August 2008.

In his defence, Nallakaruppan said there was no malicious intent and the statement was made under qualified privilege.

- Bernama